After a wait of more than two decades, Peter Gabriel has released his highly anticipated new album, i/o. This marks his first collection of new material since 2002’s Up, ending years of speculation and whispers about his musical direction and the themes he would explore. Since January 2023, Gabriel offered a unique preview of i/o, releasing a new song with each full moon. This unconventional approach allowed each track to breathe and find its own space, building anticipation for the complete work, which Gabriel likened to receiving a “Lego piece each month.” Now, the full creation is here, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its intricate soundscapes and profound lyrical depth.
A Long-Awaited Return: Peter Gabriel’s i/o
The arrival of i/o is a significant event for Peter Gabriel fans worldwide. The album features 12 tracks that showcase his enduring ability to craft compelling and thought-provoking songs. His distinctive and powerful voice remains a central instrument, as captivating and nuanced as ever. Throughout i/o, Gabriel delves into profound themes, exploring life, the universe, and humanity’s place within it. The interconnectedness of everything is a recurring motif, evident in the title track i/o where he sings, “I’m just a part of everything.” The album also grapples with the passage of time, mortality, grief, and contemporary societal issues such as injustice and surveillance.
However, i/o is far from a somber experience. While reflective in nature, the album’s mood is ultimately optimistic and musically adventurous. Gabriel masterfully balances introspection with vibrant and often joyous musical arrangements, culminating in the uplifting final track, “Live and Let Live.” This blend of thoughtful lyrics and dynamic soundscapes makes i/o a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Exploring the Sonic Landscape of i/o: Bright-Side, Dark-Side, and In-Side Mixes
Peter Gabriel has always been known for pushing artistic boundaries, and i/o is no exception. Each of the 12 tracks exists in not one, but three distinct stereo mixes: the Bright-Side Mix, the Dark-Side Mix, and the In-Side Mix. This innovative approach offers listeners multiple perspectives on the same music, highlighting the nuances of each song through different sonic lenses.
The Bright-Side Mix, crafted by Mark ‘Spike’ Stent, emphasizes clarity and sonic detail, painting vibrant and detailed musical pictures. In contrast, the Dark-Side Mix, shaped by Tchad Blake, takes a more sculpted and dramatic approach, building immersive sonic journeys. Gabriel describes Blake as a “sculptor building a journey with sound and drama,” and Stent as a “painter” who loves assembling sonic pictures. Both the Bright-Side and Dark-Side mixes are available on the double-CD package and as separate double vinyl albums, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the contrasting interpretations.
Adding another dimension is the In-Side Mix, presented in Dolby Atmos by Hans-Martin Buff. This mix creates a three-dimensional sound experience, enveloping the listener in a more immersive and spatial sonic environment. The In-Side Mix is included in the three-disc set, which features a Blu-ray alongside CDs of the Bright-Side and Dark-Side mixes.
Themes and Musicality: What to Expect from i/o
Musically, i/o is a testament to Peter Gabriel’s eclectic and boundary-pushing style. The album retains his signature sound while exploring new sonic territories. Long-time collaborators such as guitarist David Rhodes, bassist Tony Levin, and drummer Manu Katché contribute their exceptional musicianship throughout the album, forming the core of Gabriel’s trusted inner circle. Brian Eno, a frequent collaborator, also lends his creative touch to several tracks, adding layers of sonic innovation.
The album’s rich tapestry of sounds is further enhanced by contributions from a diverse range of musicians, including Richard Russell, pianist Tom Cawley, trumpeters Josh Shpak and Paolo Fresu, cellist Linnea Olsson, and keyboard player Don E. Peter Gabriel’s daughter Melanie adds warm backing vocals, alongside Ríoghnach Connolly of The Breath. The Soweto Gospel Choir and Swedish all-male choir Orphei Drängar contribute magnificent harmonies, while the New Blood Orchestra, led by John Metcalfe, provides both soothing and soaring string arrangements. This extensive cast of collaborators enriches the album’s sonic palette, making i/o a truly expansive and collaborative work.
i/o Album Formats: Vinyl, CD, Box Set, and Digital
i/o is available in a variety of formats to cater to different listening preferences. For audiophiles and collectors, the album is offered in several vinyl editions, including double LP versions featuring the Bright-Side Mix and Dark-Side Mix separately, as well as a deluxe box set. The box set is particularly comprehensive, containing both stereo mixes across four black vinyl LPs, two CDs of the same mixes, and a Blu-ray with the In-Side Mix in Dolby Atmos, along with 24/96 hi-res stereo versions of the Bright-Side and Dark-Side mixes. The box set also includes a casebound book with expanded liner notes and a poster, making it a collector’s item.
For CD enthusiasts, there are options including a 2CD release featuring both the Bright-Side and Dark-Side mixes, and a 2CD+Blu-ray edition that adds the In-Side Mix in Dolby Atmos on Blu-ray. All physical editions come with a hi-res download card, ensuring access to digital versions of the album in 24-bit/96kHz quality. For those who prefer digital formats, i/o is also available for streaming and download, including high-quality formats. Fans can also subscribe to Peter Gabriel’s Bandcamp page to receive all his new music, including i/o, and access subscriber-only exclusives.
Visual Art and i/o: A Multi-Sensory Experience
Continuing a concept he explored with his US and UP albums, Peter Gabriel invited twelve renowned visual artists to create artwork inspired by or reacting to each track on i/o. This initiative underscores Gabriel’s vision of music as a multi-sensory experience, where sound and visuals intertwine to create a richer artistic tapestry. The impressive roster of collaborating artists includes Ai Weiwei, Nick Cave, Olafur Eliasson, and Cornelia Parker, among others. Gabriel recognizes that these artists share the same “obsessive attention to their visual work that we musicians have in sound,” highlighting the parallel creative processes across different mediums.
The album cover, photographed by Nadav Kander, subtly echoes the covers of Gabriel’s earlier albums, maintaining a visual continuity throughout his discography. While i/o acknowledges Peter Gabriel’s artistic past, it is firmly rooted in the present, addressing contemporary themes and concerns. As Gabriel himself sings in “So Much,” “this edition is limited,” reminding listeners of the preciousness of time and the urgency of the album’s messages. i/o is not just a return; it’s a vital, resonant statement for our times, inviting listeners to engage deeply with its sonic and lyrical layers.
